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TUI, who fly into Melbourne International (MLB), Florida, have announced a policy change for anyone flying Long Haul in Economy with the airline. From 1st November 2026 the airline will no longer offer up to three complimentary alcoholic drinks throughout the flight, Economy passengers will instead get one beer or wine with their main meal, Beyond that, if you want an alcoholic drink you’ll need to pay for it.
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Changes On TUI Long-Haul Economy Class Flights: Overview
Here’s everything you need to know about how this affects your long haul flight experience to Florida with TUI in economy:
When does the rule change happen? | 1st November 2026 |
|---|---|
Is there compensation if you’ve already got a flight booked? | Yes, TUI are offering £12.50 per person (aged 18 and over), per flight |
What happens if I’m flying Premium to Florida? | There’s no change, this news does not affect you |
Can you but alcohol onboard? | Yes, you can buy alcohol, it’s just not free. |
A spokesperson for TUI said:
"Customers will continue to receive complimentary soft drinks throughout their flight, and a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal. Additional alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase onboard. Adults with existing bookings affected by the change will receive a £12.50 refund per flight, each way."
For UK holidaymakers on long haul flights, including those heading to Florida, it’s a change that is proving controversial. However, it’s not an end to the drinks service as soft drinks, juice, water, tea and coffee will continue to be served throughout the service. 1 alcoholic drink of beer or wine will be offered with the main meal service, so it’s not a total removal of complimentary alcohol, rather a substantial reduction.
Have Other UK Airlines Flying To Florida Made The Same Rule Change?
No, so far only TUI have made this change. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways still offer free alcoholic drinks as part of their complimentary drinks service on long haul flights in all cabin classes. So if you haven’t already booked a long haul flight, consider booking with someone else if more than one free alcoholic drink on the plane is important for your experience.
There is however a growing trend with more budget airlines and it does fit a broader industry mood. Ryanair's Michael O'Leary has been pushing for airports to stop serving alcohol before early flights, arguing the real problem starts in the terminal rather than onboard. Other carriers have leaned on fines and crew discretion to limit drinks, but TUI have taken a more decisive step.
Flying To Florida With TUI From November & Already Booked The Flights?
If you have a long haul flight booked in Economy class expect to hear from TUI if you are flying in Economy, if you haven’t already. The company are offering all passengers 18+, already booked, compensation of £12.50 a person per flight because of the change.
If you're in a Premium cabin, nothing changes and the complimentary drinks service stays exactly as it is.
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When does the new TUI alcohol rule start?
The new rule takes effect on 1 November 2026, and it applies in both directions - which is where UK school-holiday timing gets interesting.
If you're out for October half term and flying home in early November, your outbound flight is under the old three-drink service, but your return leg lands on the new rule. So the same trip can straddle both. It's a small thing, but if you were mentally banking on the flight home being the same as the flight out, it won't be. Worth knowing before you're surprised at 35,000 feet on the way back from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Which flights and passengers does it affect?
This is Economy long-haul only. If you're in a Premium cabin, nothing changes and the complimentary drinks service stays exactly as it is.
As flights are affected both ways, UK TUI customers with booking after 1st November will have an extra £25 per adult to spend across a return flight, which is £50 a couple.
Magic In A Minute
From 1 November 2026, TUI is cutting free alcohol in long-haul Economy to one beer or wine with your meal, with soft drinks still free and extra drinks to buy. Premium cabins are unaffected. If you've already booked, adults get £12.50 back per flight each way, which roughly matches the value of the drinks removed.